The ISU community is teaming up with the Ames Police Department in an effort to keep trick-or-treaters out of danger tonight.

Officer Tom Shelton of the Ames Police Department said the Halloween Program will run from 5:30 to 7:30 tonight. The Halloween Program was organized by the Ames Police Department to help avoid dangerous situations.

Shelton said they try to find members of the community to lend a helping hand in keeping children safe.

“We find volunteers to patrol the streets and neighborhoods to make sure kids are crossing the street safely,” he said.

He said the volunteers are not out to keep kids out of trouble, but to ensure their safety.

“It is more of a safety concern with it being dark out, and a lot of kids wear dark costumes that drivers can’t see,” Shelton said.

Among the volunteers are fraternity members from Alpha Tau Omega, 2122 Lincoln Way, and Theta Chi, 219 Ash Ave. The fraternity members will be located at Sixth Street and Clark Avenue, Sixth Street to 10th Street and from Clark Avenue to Duff Avenue.

The ISU Army ROTC also will be assisting the police department at the North Ridge housing development and the Moore Memorial Park area.

Chris Martin, member of Alpha Tau Omega, said the Halloween Program is a good way to help people get involved in the community and to make sure children are safe.

“We’re going to be chaperoning and walking the trick-or-treaters around the neighborhoods,” said Martin, junior in political science. “It sounds like a good idea. It’s a good way to get our name out on campus and help the community at the same time.”

Masg. Sgt. Ralph Sartin of the Army ROTC said his organization is excited to help out again.

“We help out every year,” said Sartin, who is an ROTC instructor. “It’s a good way to get involved with community service.”

Due to the experience, Sartin said the ROTC has a good idea of what is happening. He said if they see a potentially dangerous situation, they “basically just slow traffic down and make sure the kids get across the street safe.”

Shelton said the Halloween Program was started in 1991, and he encourages more people to get involved.